Ignorance Is Bliss

6 . Edwin

Today wasn't my day. Not only did I have the worst hangover, but I missed my bus. For the second time. I don't know how it happened, but when it stopped before me, I simply didn't acknowledge it. It ceased to exist because my mind was somewhere else completely. I didn't want to blame the alcohol. My mother had always reminded me of the negative effects it could bring. And to feel as if I had disappointed her, was something I couldn't stand to think about today.

I finally arrived during the break time, already worn out. Surprisingly the first person I encountered was Raven. She seemed to have been waiting for me in the hall. Which was strange, considering how she left me to rot at the party.

"Gee, where have you been?" she asked, almost a bit annoyed. She hugged me instinctively like she normally did.

"Oh you know, out and about." I had the feeling that I knew what she was mad about. If I didn't text her back for more than an hour, she started getting worried.

"Sorry about the party," she apologised. "But you know why I couldn't drive you home."

I frowned, trying to think of the explanation she supposedly gave me.

"I don't, actually."

"I told you that I met someone there. And we... kind of hit it off."

She smiled coyly.

"I knew you went to the party for a reason. But good for you."

Raven waited for more reaction but realised that I wasn't as curious as I should've been.

"That's it?" she scoffed. "Don't you want to know who it was?"

"Tell me at lunch. I don't want you to be late for class."

Raven pushed her hair behind her shoulder, clearly a bit annoyed.

"Alright, fine," she sighed. "See you later."

I watched her run up to the second floor before I made my way to my next class. Even though we had another five minutes before lessons started, I wasn't in the mood to listen to Raven brag about some girl she met. My head was already hurting from the other day.

I rounded the corner to my physics classroom, not paying much attention. Maybe if I would've, I'd still be on my feet.

I came in contact with someone, who thought it was a good idea to leave the room at the same time I was about to enter. We collided, but their weight overpowered mine and I lost balance. In the blink of an eye, my butt hit the hard floor. A sharp pain ran through me.

"I'd say watch where you're going, but I feel like we're way past that point now."

I craned my neck and my eyes met with two pools of honey. They seemed vaguely familiar, although I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"Uh, forgive me, but do we know each other?" I asked. "I... don't remember things easily."

I left out the alcohol part. I knew I drank too much yesterday, but I didn't need everyone to know that.

His hand froze while helping me up. I grabbed hold of it, startled at how cold it felt in mine. I felt a burning sensation in my butt but tried not to pay attention to it.

"Yeah, you — uh —I gave you a lift." His words were unsure like he was trying not to offend me. Weird. I did, unfortunately, recall him from when he gave me a ride. I remember him saying his name was Asa when he dropped me off at my house.

I was abruptly aware, that I was still holding his hand.

He stared longingly at me in something between wonder and surprise. I let go of him quickly, trying to find some sort of distraction.